catalytic/headers

As I work to get my '81 through the NC DMV hoops I find new questions to post almost daily. I'm trying to be a good poster and search previous threads before asking. That being said, here goes:
My '81 does not have a catalytic converter on it right now. The county I live in tests for emmisions, although I'm told that if the vehicle is 13 years or older it does not have to pass. It just has to have all the emmisions equipment installed.
Is it possible to have headers and a cat? Is there a noticable difference between a regular cat and a "high flow" cat. I found a regular one online for about $90. Is that a good price? Advice? Smart remarks? Dumb looks? All are welcome.
Thanks.

Keith '81

"Advice? Smart remarks? Dumb looks? All are welcome."

OK, how about a deer in headlights?
I took the cat off my '85 when I went overseas for 3 years in the army. I had to because of gas differences.
I, um..well- never put it back on when I came back & just moved to VA where they will check when I register it. So basically I'm in the same boat as you..
It's a good topic for my webpage, though & will let you know what I find out as I get closer to tackling that too.
I plan on maybe running dual exhausts off of my 3>2>1 reduced headers. So I guess I'll need 2 <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/ohwell.gif ALT=":\">
Has anyone else dealt with a similar combination?

I just checked the NC DOT website. '81 through current year have the same emmision standards. Bummer! I'm gonna try to do this only once so I'd like to do the header at the same time. $$$

I just put dual cats on my '83. It's got a Chevy 305 and hedman headers. The cats I used are CATCO brand from summit racing - cost ~$80 each. I have noticed no loss of power.

I researched the pros/cons of adding the cats, and discovered that some theroize Cats wil actualy increase HP by a little.

Random Technologies boasts of super high flow Cats, but I believe they go for about $250 each.

If I recall, Summit Racing had some good Cat FAQ info on their website.

I hope this helps a little. I'm a novice but have learned alot from this forum and try to pitch in when I can.

William Myers
Raleigh,NC

Be sure to clearly understand the law before plunkin' the money down for your system.

As everyone knows, each state varies. Here in MD, you're not allowed to install a system that wasn't originally an option for your vehicle. Most exhaust shops won't put on dual exhaust on a late CJ because of that.

Folks at those shops know what will float and what won't. Call around to a few and tell them your situation - and compare notes.

Emission Legal Cat

Keith.... emission laws are Very Strict (Draconian) in N.J.
so I wanted to be sure that I would pass inspection.
I used Clifford's header and a Walker Cat. I just looked underneath and the part number for the Cat is #15146.
I think the Cat was about $100 bucks last August.
-Scrambler Jimmy- had some good advice about asking local shops etc.
See Ya,
Charlie

Which Cat ?

Keith, I happened to talk to the guy who did my exhaust.
Here's the scoop..... Walker #15666 is the direct replacement for the original Catalytic Converter. The part I have #15146 is a little larger than stock, it has a higher flow and reduces the noise a little. The #15666 is small, a little louder and doesn't flow as much. I doubt there is any "Real World" difference that you could feel driving, so I'd use which ever one fits (length wise) with the least amount of Fiddling (cutting, welding etc).

:-))
Charlie

Re: Which Cat ?

Thanks for the info. I put a couple dollars together in the last couple days so I'll probably do the cat next week. I'll let you know how it turns out. BTW I drove her to work today (I've only had it a week). Man is it cool! Nothing but compliments from my friends and coworkers.

Keith

KeithL

I just posted to see where YJason was from because he had the pic from Downeast Offroad.....Where are you at in NC? I am currently restoring/rebuilding my 8 down in Wilson....

Lee